A modified muscle-activated maxillary orthopedic appliance for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe a modified appliance and treatment approach for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

METHODS

This approach uses a plate held in with outriggers, which prevents the cleft-widening effect of the tongue, helps with tongue tip placement, and utilizes the functional movements of the facial musculature to guide and relocate the major segment medially to its normal position. Nasal molding is undertaken after most of the lateromedial correction of the alveolar position.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique helps to improve alveolar position, nasal septum alignment, nasal symmetry, and nasal tip projection prior to lip repair.